• Houseplants improve our indoor environment.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Houseplants soften our indoor environment and improve the quality of the air. Houseplants are easy to care for if you pay attention to the individual plant's needs. Read any labels accompanying the plant for tips on proper care. Many garden centers also have reference books available for customer use that will give you even more information. Most houseplant problems are easily diagnosed.
  
  

Leaf Loss

• Rapid changes in air temperature, such as moving a plant indoors, can cause sudden leaf drop on houseplants. Leaf drop is also caused by drafts, dry air, changes in light conditions and exposure to gas or furnace fumes. Older or lower leaves that turn yellow before dropping usually indicate overwatering. Plants growing in light levels that are too low will also drop leaves even if all other needs are adequately met. Some plants are more prone to leaf drop than others -- weeping figs are notorious for dropping their leaves whenever anything in their environment changes.
  
  

Browned Leaf Tips

• Browned leaf tips are often caused by watering problems, especially too much fluoride or chlorine in the water. North Dakota State University suggests letting tap water sit overnight before using on houseplants, to allow these gases to dissipate. Spider plants, in particular, are sensitive to dissolved minerals in water and should be watered with distilled water. Inadequate watering, low humidity, pesticide injury and bruising of leaf ends will all result in browned leaf tips. Check for insect infestation, as well.
  
  

Wilting

• Wilting is often the result of improper watering, most commonly a lack of water or root rot from overwatering. Knock the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots. If the rootball is dry and crumbly, you need to water more often. If the rootball is wet and roots are dark or smelly, the plant has developed root rot from chronic overwatering. There is no chemical cure for root rot. Minimally damaged plants can be repotted into fresh soil in well-drained pots after you prune out the damaged roots, but badly damaged plants should be discarded.
  
  

Yellowed Foliage

• Yellowing of lower, older leaves often indicates overwatering of the plant or the need to repot the plant. Check to see if the soil is wet. If so, follow the suggestions in the section on wilting. If the rootball is a solid mass of roots, repot the plant into a new container 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot. Be sure to loosen the roots gently with your fingers before covering them with fresh soil. Nitrogen or iron deficiency will cause yellowing of the leaves throughout the plant. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer. If the foliage remains yellow, apply a chelated iron product.
  
  

Speckled Leaves

• Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plant juices. Look for a fine spiderweb-type dusting on the leaves. You may need a magnifying glass to see the actual insects. The tops of infested leaves often have a mottled or speckled appearance. Light infestations can be washed off with soap and water, but heavily-infected plants should be sprayed with an insecticide.
  
  

Red or Bronze Leaves

• Plants exposed to cold air often develop a red or bronze tinge on the leaves, especially on the outer edges. Move the plants away from cold windows and drafts. If you are sure the plant hasn't been exposed to cold air, then a nutrient deficiency is the likely culprit. Fertilize with a well-balanced houseplant fertilize or repot in new potting soil.